Mathematics - Actuarial Science

Overview

Students interested in pursuing Actuarial Science at the graduate level at Illinois State University should choose this sequence.

The Actuarial Science graduate sequence is typically a 32-credit hour program. Most students can complete the program within two years of study beyond the bachelor's degree. We strongly encourage our Actuarial Science students to take related courses in economics, finance, insurance, and law.

Illinois State was one of only four institutions in the world to be honored with the Casualty Actuarial Society University Award in 2016. We are also one of very few universities in the U.S. honored by the Society of Actuaries as a Center of Actuarial Excellence.

Advising

How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year

have a minimum 3.2 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work

present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts can be emailed from the university to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, 201 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

have a minimal mathematics background of three semesters of Calculus, one semester of Linear Algebra, and four quantitative courses above the Calculus/Linear Algebra level (for example, advanced mathematics, finance, statistics, econometrics, etc). If it is not clear from your transcripts that you have this background, please explain in your statement of purpose.

upload a resume or C.V.

upload a statement of purpose explaining your interest in pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics from Illinois State, how your academic and professional goals align, and what you hope to achieve as a graduate student in mathematics. If your background is not in mathematics, please explain in your statement.

include the name of at least one letter of recommendation. Two letters are required for those who would like to be considered for graduate assistantship and/or partial tuition waiver. Letters will be uploaded by the letter writers directly and should address academic ability and the ability to communicate mathematics.

A GRE score is not required, but is required for securing department funding, such as a graduate assistantship in Mathematics or a partial tuition waiver. Competitive scores can help support your chances for admission.

Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program

be in good-standing

be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage

a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment

a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from continuous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.